Resurfacing Countertops

Old formica countertops.  They look worse in person

When we bought our current house it was in good shape but needs a lot of updating.  Now that all my kids are in school full time and I don't have a job, it's given me the freedom to try my had at different things.  One thing I have discovered is that I really enjoy home renovating and updating.  My latest venture was to resurface the countertops in my kitchen.  I know that eventually this house is going to be a rental property so I wanted something fairly sturdy and can put up with abuse.  Although I do love my painted bathroom countertop I knew that the daily use in a kitchen might be too much for that process.  I did A LOT of research, as is my obsessive way when I want to do something new.
I looked at Rustoleum Countertop Transformations - this still intrigues me and I might try one day, but not in my kitchen.  I wanted to try it in my bathroom, but it can't be used over corian or cultured marble etc.  I also considered doing a concrete overlay but it was pretty costly for a kit.  I prefer to go with kits, so I am not surprised when I don't have all the materials I need.  It's a good way to get your foot in the door for trying a new home project.  Just when I was about to buy a concrete kit (about $450) I stumbled upon Countertop Epoxy.  You've gotta check out their tutorial video. SO COOL!!

My Craigslist score - $20!!  BEFORE

My awesome custom table!

I know that granite is the thing to have these days, but I'm not a huge fan of the upkeep or the $$$.  I like things that are artistic and totally unique.  Countertop Epoxy totally fits the bill.  And their counter kits are only $300.    That was WAY cheaper that even choosing out new Formica countertops!!

Levi, is the most awesome guy - an ex-Marine who totally hooked me up with my kit.  He is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.  I chose the Copper Patina kit.  Levi suggest that I cover a table first to get the feel of the process.  So I bought a cheap table off of Craigslist.  Found this baby for $20 and it is HEAVY SOLID WOOD.  Score!  I had a pal come over and experience the process with me and it was a lot of fun.

First layer of copper

My countertops scared me a little but I felt more confident after the table.  So I decided to do this alone.  I do not recommend doing it solo.  It is a sticky and time sensitive process.  In the kit you get a gallon of resin and a gallon of hardener.  You mix the 2 for what seems like forever - about 4 minutes and then transfer it into another bucket and add you paint.  Mine was a gorgeous copper color.

BADASS

I did my first color and was already in love.  (My first attempt at the counter resulted in a bit of a disaster on my part...I forgot to add the hardener - who does that??)  But I called Levi in a panic and he talked me through it very calmly.  And if you know me at all I am quite the spaz.  My second attempt went very smoothly.  FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!!  I used a putty knife to spread the epoxy the second time and it was 100% easier.  Like spreading honey.
 Then I mixed more epoxy and added the accent color - forest green.  Sounds weird but man does it make the counters POP!   I poured the accent color on top of the copper in random lines and patterns.  Then I used a paint brush to spread it around a little and get it into the copper.

WAY TOO FUN!

The next part is the most fun - time to fire it up with a torch!!  I never used a torch before and it made me feel like a badass Rosie the Riveter!  

I would do this again in a heartbeat.  I am sure it will make an appearance in the next house we live in.  This is a fun project and will bring a very unique look to your home.  The best part is, it is VERY heat resistant (up to 500 degrees!) and can withstand over 12000 psi - even stronger than concrete.

Thanks, Levi!  I love it!!